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Barrett gets start as All Blacks playmaker

Beauden Barrett will start at five eighth for the first time in his 23-Test career when New Zealand plays Argentina in their Rugby Championship clash in Napier on Saturday.

The exciting Barrett has made his previous Test appearances from the bench but has been promoted to the starting side in place of Aaron Cruden who has a chest injury, with stalwart Dan Carter unavailable while recovering from a leg fracture.

Blockbusting Ma'a Nonu has recovered from a shoulder injury to return alongside Barrett at inside centre, combining in midfield with Conrad Smith for the 53rd time.

Israel Dagg is recalled at fullback with Ben Smith moving to the right wing in place of Cory Jane who drops out of the match squad.

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The forward pack is unchanged from the one that started in New Zealand's impressive 51-20 thumping of Australia in Auckland two weeks ago to retain the Bledisloe Cup.

Dagg has been given another chance to prove himself at fullback, although his form in all rugby recently has been poor and Smith has made the No.15 jersey his own.

"The selectors felt this was the right time to give Israel an opportunity," Hansen said. "We also want to make it clear that his selection is not a reflection on Cory Jane's play, as we have been very happy with his performances."

"We wanted a specialist lock for this encounter so Jeremy is the obvious choice with Dominic Bird and Patrick Tuipulotu still not ready to play," Hansen said. "In the second change, the selectors have been unhappy with Charlie's form."

Hansen said the All Blacks are determined to keep up the high standard set against Australia but expected a strong challenge from Argentina.

"Their last two performances against South Africa have been right up there and shows that they are capable of beating top opposition," Hansen said.

Argentina made two changes to the team that lost by just 33-31 to South Africa in its most recent Rugby Championships match at home.

Horacio Agulla was named on the wing in place of Manuel Montero and Leonardo Senatore was called as a backrow replacement for the injured Pablo Matera.